Armodafinil vs Modafinil
- Kevin Keane
- Aug 13, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 15, 2024
Modafinil and Armodafinil are two closely related medications that are used to promote wakefulness and treat sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. They are both considered eugeroics, or wakefulness-promoting agents, and have similar mechanisms of action in the brain.
Modafinil is a medication that is primarily used to treat sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. It promotes wakefulness and alertness, although its exact mechanism of action is not completely understood.
In terms of ADHD, several studies have suggested that modafinil may have benefits similar to those of more commonly prescribed stimulants. It may help improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and help with other symptoms of ADHD. A review article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in 2017 found that modafinil was more effective than placebo in reducing ADHD symptoms, and it was reasonably well tolerated.
Modafinil has a slightly different side effect profile compared to classic stimulant medications. While it can still cause side effects such as insomnia, headache, and nausea, it may cause less appetite suppression than traditional stimulant medications.
However, it's important to note that as of my last update in September 2021, modafinil is not FDA-approved for treating ADHD in the United States. Although it's used off-label for this purpose, the standard first-line treatments for ADHD are still stimulant medications, such as amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), as well as non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera).
As with all medications, the benefits and risks must be carefully considered. Some people might not tolerate traditional stimulants or may not respond to them adequately, and in these cases, a medication like modafinil might be considered
The main difference between modafinil and armodafinil is that armodafinil is a more purified version of modafinil. Armodafinil is composed of only the R-enantiomer of modafinil, whereas modafinil is a racemic mixture of both the R- and S-enantiomers.
This difference in composition may result in slightly different pharmacological properties between the two medications. Armodafinil is typically considered to be more potent than modafinil and may have a longer duration of action. It may also be associated with fewer side effects than modafinil, particularly in terms of headache and nervousness.
Despite these differences, modafinil and armodafinil are both considered effective and safe treatments for sleep disorders, low energy, and ADHD; the choice of which medication to use may depend on individual patient factors and preferences.
Written by:
Joseph Gagnon Jr.